What Make Some People Lucky

 

What is it that makes exceptional people exceptional? 

We have all probably asked the same questions, “Is it that they can do multiple things well?” Or, “Did they just get lucky?”

I have a theory on this and would love to get your thoughts on it. 

My belief is that exceptional people have found the one thing that they do better than anything else. 

Henry David Thoreau said, “One is not born into the world to do everything, but to do something.”

I have found that when people find their strength coupled with the one thing they love, they almost always succeed at high levels. 

Some people are encouraged their whole life to do lots of different things while others are encouraged to do one thing exceptionally well. When people are multi-gifted they are often pulled in many directions or start multiple things at the same time. 

Being excellent at something comes from using your core strengths consistently over time. 

We don’t always start out exceptional at the one thing we are meant to do in life. Most of the time it takes persistence, self-development, and growth. 

Victor Frankl, the author of Man’s Search for Meaning, said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Perhaps you have heard the story of taking a penny and letting it double in value every day.  If you did that for a month how much would you end up with? Ten dollars? One hundred dollars? A thousand dollars? A million dollars? In our mind, a penny is small. We do not put much value in it. 

However, if you just start with a single penny and double it every day for 31 days, you end up with $21,474,836.48.

This compounding effect is the same as being exceptional. You start with personal growth. You find your one thing and then you do it to your best ability every day. When you do so, you get a return. It is like investing in your very own account of significance.

If you had to determine the one thing that you do exceptionally well in life, what is your one thing? What do you have the potential to do better than anyone else? 

For those of you who know your answer or have an inkling of what it is, go do that. 

Exceptional people focus on their strengths and what they can do, not what they can not do. 

Best, 

Manal

Being a Positive Experience

 

Want to make your company stand out from the rest? 

We all know today’s economy and work environment has changed. There are now hybrid work, at-home work, and in-office work schedules. No matter what model your company is enforcing and subscribing to, being a place where people actually want to work is key to standing out. 

Make it your mission to be a place where people actually want to work! 

And what makes a company great? Great leadership and culture!

When you create a positive experience for your employees, you'll notice higher engagement, productivity, and retention. This means identifying what really matters to your team and making sure they feel valued and supported. You can do this by investing in training programs, improving workplace design, and providing opportunities for career development. These are just a few ways to improve the employee experience and get the best ROI for your company.

So, what are some tips to get started? 

Here are three:

Offer opportunities for professional development. This could be anything from training sessions to mentorship programs. When you help your employees grow, they'll feel appreciated and more invested in the company. When people feel more certain they generally perform well.

Foster a positive workplace culture. Encourage open communication, recognize employee achievements, and promote work-life balance. Did you know that companies with a positive workplace culture have a 65% higher employee retention rate? It's true! And it costs less money to keep those you have than to hire new people.

Prioritize work-life balance. Your employees value their time and well-being, so offer flexible schedules, remote work options, and employee wellness programs. When employees feel like they have a healthy work-life balance, they're more engaged, happier with their job, and less likely to quit.

There are tons of ways to improve the employee experience and make your company stand out. Start with these three tips and see where it takes you!

Best, 

Manal

Youth Leaders Are Changing the World

The world is changing, and the younger generations are at the forefront of this change. 

Youth and young adults are proving that age is just a number, and they can make a significant impact as leaders. They are taking up leadership positions in various fields, making bold decisions, and leading the way toward a brighter future.

One example of a young leader making an impact is Malala Yousafzai. At just 17, Malala became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her activism and advocacy for girls' education. She survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 and continues to fight for education and women's rights globally.

Another young leader making an impact is Greta Thunberg. Greta, a 19-year-old climate activist, started a global movement for climate action by organizing school strikes. Her activism has led to global awareness and action on climate change, and she has addressed world leaders at the United Nations Climate Summit.

In the business world, 26-year-old Andrew Yang made waves during the 2020 United States presidential election with his innovative policies, including universal basic income. Although he didn't win the nomination, his ideas continue to influence policy discussions and debates on economic inequality.

Furthermore, young people are leading in the technology industry. Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group, started the company when he was just 34, and it is now one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms. At 27, Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook, now one of the most influential social media platforms globally.

The impact of young leaders is not limited to individuals; it also extends to communities. For instance, at just 17 years old, Autumn Peltier became a leading advocate for clean water in indigenous communities in Canada. Her activism and advocacy have led to policy changes, and she has addressed the United Nations General Assembly.

Young people are making a significant impact as leaders in various fields, from activism to business and technology. They are breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and leading the way toward a better future. These young leaders are an inspiration to their peers and demonstrate that age is not a barrier to leadership and making a difference in the world.

Best,

Manal

How Do Youth Build Their Leadership Skills?

 

Leadership skills are an essential aspect of personal growth and development, especially for the youth who are set to take over leadership positions in various fields. Developing leadership skills can seem daunting, but it is a journey worth taking. It is a continuous process that requires self-reflection, learning, and practice.

One of the ways the youth can develop their leadership skills is by identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This process involves self-reflection and being honest about areas that need improvement. Understanding oneself is crucial to being an effective leader. It allows for the identification of areas that need development and strengths that can be leveraged to achieve set goals.

Seeking mentorship from leaders who have achieved success in various fields is wise. Mentorship allows the youth to gain insight from experienced individuals, which can be instrumental in their leadership journey. Mentors can provide guidance, support, and constructive criticism, which is essential for growth.

In addition, participating in volunteer work is an effective way of developing leadership skills. Volunteering provides an opportunity to work with diverse groups of people, which enhances communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Through volunteering, the youth can develop their ability to work in teams, manage resources, and inspire others towards a common goal.

Continuous learning and staying updated on emerging trends in their field of interest is critical. It enables the youth to be innovative and creative in their leadership roles. It also provides an opportunity for them to share their knowledge and skills with others.

Developing leadership skills is a journey that requires self-reflection, learning, practice, and mentorship. The youth can achieve this by identifying their strengths and weaknesses, seeking mentorship, participating in volunteer work, and continuously learning. Developing these skills early on sets them on the path to becoming effective and successful leaders.

Best, 

Manal

Are You a Reader?

 

There is a common saying in the leadership world that goes "leaders are readers." This is because reading is a great way to gain knowledge, insights, and inspiration from the experiences of others. In this article, we will explore why leaders are readers and suggest a few great leadership quotes and books to read.

A reason why leaders are readers is that reading helps them expand their knowledge and perspectives. By reading books, articles, and other materials, leaders can learn from the experiences of others and gain insights into different approaches to leadership. Reading can also help leaders stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in their field.

Reading can inspire and motivate. Reading about the achievements and successes of other leaders can encourage them to strive for greatness in their own work. It can also help them develop a growth mindset and stay focused on their goals and objectives.

Here are a few great leadership quotes to inspire you:

• "The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example." - John Wooden

• "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek

• "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." - John C. Maxwell

Now, let's take a look at some great books that every leader should read:

• "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey: This book is a classic in the leadership world and provides practical advice on how to become a more effective leader.

• "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek: This book explores the idea that great leaders prioritize the needs of their team members and create a culture of trust, collaboration, and support.

• "Good to Great" by Jim Collins: This book examines why some companies are able to achieve sustained success while others struggle and provides insights into the key characteristics of great leaders.

By reading great books and articles, leaders can improve their skills and become more effective in their work. Leaders are readers because reading helps them expand their knowledge, gain insights, and stay motivated. So pick up a book and start reading today!

Best, 

Manal

Continual Growth as a Leader

 

Leadership is not just a title or position; it is a skill that can be developed over time. Regardless of whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting out, there are always ways to improve and grow as a leader. In this article, we will discuss some practical tips on how to grow as a leader.

Seek continual feedback. 

Ask your team members, colleagues, or mentors for constructive criticism on your leadership style. Be open-minded and receptive to their feedback, and use it to improve your leadership skills.

Learn continuously. 

Read books, attend workshops, or take courses on leadership to expand your knowledge and skills. Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in leadership, and apply them to your daily work.

Lead by example. 

Be a role model for your team members by demonstrating the behavior and values you expect from them. Show them that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work alongside them.

Delegate.

Learn to identify your team members' strengths and delegate tasks and responsibilities accordingly. This will not only help you achieve better results but also empower your team members and develop their skills.

Communicate effectively. 

As a leader, you need to be able to articulate your vision, goals, and expectations clearly and concisely. Be an active listener and provide feedback to your team members to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Cultivate a positive work environment. 

Foster a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration among your team members. Celebrate their achievements and provide them with the necessary support and resources to succeed.

Growing as a leader is an ongoing process that requires dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn and improve. 

What have you done lately to foster your own growth? 

Best, 

Manal

How to Be Outstanding in Your Leadership

Being an outstanding leader is a combination of having the right skills, mindset, and behaviors. An outstanding leader is someone who can inspire, motivate and guide their team to achieve a common goal while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. In this blog post, I will explore some of the key characteristics and behaviors that are essential for being an outstanding leader in 2023 and beyond.

An outstanding leader must possess excellent communication skills, which means you need to invest in this skill. They should be able to communicate their vision and goals clearly, concisely, and in a way that is easily understood by their team. They should also be able to listen actively and respond to the concerns and feedback of their team members. This will foster a culture of open communication and trust, which is essential for building a high-performing team. Think about times you may have done this.

Secondly, an outstanding leader must lead by example. They should act in a way that aligns with the values and principles of the organization and set a good example for others to follow. They should be willing to take the lead and be the first to step up in difficult situations. This will earn the respect and trust of their team members, and set the tone for a positive and productive work environment.

Thirdly, an outstanding leader must be able to inspire and motivate their team. They should have a clear and compelling vision and be able to inspire others to work together to achieve that vision. They should also be able to recognize and reward the contributions of team members and provide opportunities for growth and development. This will create a sense of purpose and belonging among team members and will keep them motivated. Recognize with frequency and publicly.

Fourthly, an outstanding leader must be able to lead with empathy and emotional intelligence. They should be able to understand and respond to the emotional needs of their team members, especially during difficult times. They should also be able to create a sense of community and connection among team members, even when they are working remotely or apart. This will foster a culture of trust, respect, and support, which is vital for the well-being of team members.

An outstanding leader must be able to think strategically and anticipate future trends and challenges. They should be able to make data-driven decisions and be able to adapt and adjust their strategies as needed. This will keep the organization competitive and prepare them for future challenges.

Being an outstanding leader requires a combination of skills, mindset, and behaviors. A leader who possesses excellent communication skills, leads by example, inspires and motivates their team, leads with empathy and emotional intelligence, and can think strategically will be able to guide their team to achieve the common goal while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Best, 

Manal